Flange bolt cutter

ABSTRACT

A flange bolt cutter for separating two connected flanges. The flange bolt cutter contains a circular saw blade connected to an flange mount which can be vertically adjusted relative to the flange mount and/or includes two arms which can be pivotally adjusted relative to each other.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/555,416,filed Jul. 23, 2012 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,820,205 on Sep. 2, 2014),which is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.61/592,669, filed Jan. 31, 2012, which application is incorporatedherein by reference and to which priority is hereby claimed.

BACKGROUND

One embodiment relates generally to a method and apparatus for cuttingbolts, and more particularly, for cutting a plurality of bolts in aflange connection.

Oil and natural gas platforms and installations have a limited life ofoperations. When oil runs out, the platforms and installations aredecommissioned using a number of different alternatives. As examples,the platforms and installations may be (a) left completely or partiallyin the water (often called “reefing”); (b) removed and then reused inanother location; or (c) hauled to shore for scrapping or recycling.

One of the problems encountered when attempting to separate flangeconnections during decommissioning is that the connections were exposedto marine elements for years tending to cause corrosion which resistsmethods of loosening the bolt and nut connections.

Some of the problems with cutters in the prior art is the inability ofsuch devices to easily cut bolts for different size flanges or handlecutting of the bolts at different vertical heights of the bolts.Instead, such prior art cutters require specially sized attachmentmembers for different sized flanges, and/or do not allow for the cuttingof the bolts at either their tops or bottoms relative to a flange.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described beloware pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended tobe limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill inthe relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications,substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in anyway from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of theinvention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated asbeing “critical” or “essential.”

SUMMARY

In one embodiment is provided a method and apparatus for reducing thecosts of decommissioning abandoned oil and gas platforms by decreasingthe time it takes to remove rusted nut/bolt connections in flangeconnections.

One embodiment provides a flange bolt cutter incorporating a circularsaw assembly attached to first and second pivoting arms which themselvescan be attached to the flange assembly via a flange mounting assembly.

In one embodiment the first and second arms are pivotally adjustablerelative to each other which pivoting causes the cutting distancebetween the saw and the pivot point between the first arm and the sawblade.

The circular saw assembly may include a motor for rotatably driving thecircular saw blade. The motor is a hydraulically operated motor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of the flange bolt cutterassembly attached to a bolt on a flange.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the flange bolt cutter assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the flange bolt cutter assembly of FIG. 1,illustrating two different positions pivoting positions of the first armrelative to the flange.

FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the flange bolt cutter assembly ofFIG. 1, after a cut of a bolt has been cut.

FIG. 5 is a top view of the flange bolt cutter assembly of FIG. 1,illustrating two different relative angular positions of the second armrelative to the first arm.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the flange bolt cutter assembly of FIG. 1,illustrating two different relative angular positions of the second armrelative to the first arm.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the flange bolt cutter assembly of FIG. 1,illustrating two different relative angular positions of the second armrelative to the first arm.

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the flange bolt cutter assembly of FIG. 1,illustrating vertical adjustability with of the saw blade relative tothe flange assembly in cutting a bolt using the spacing between theupper and lower flanges.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the flange bolt cutter assembly of FIG. 1,illustrating vertical adjustability with of the saw blade relative tothe flange assembly in cutting a bolt using the spacing between theupper and lower flanges.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the flange bolt cutter assembly of FIG. 1,illustrating the use of the vertical spacer assembly along with verticaladjustability with of the saw blade relative to the clamping assembly incutting the head of a bolt.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the flange bolt cutter assembly of FIG. 1,illustrating the use of the vertical spacer assembly along with verticaladjustability with of the saw blade relative to the clamping assembly incutting the head of a bolt.

FIG. 12 a rear view of the flange bolt cutter assembly of FIG. 1,illustrating the use of the vertical spacer assembly along with verticaladjustability with of the saw blade relative to the clamping assembly incutting the head of a bolt.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the second arm of the flange bolt cutterassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the second arm of the flange bolt cutterassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the second arm of the flange bolt cutterassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a top view of the clamp of the flange bolt cutter assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the clamp of the flange bolt cutter assemblyof FIG. 1.

FIG. 18 is a top view of an upper ring from the clamp of the flange boltcutter assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the upper ring.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a lower ring from the clamp of the flange boltcutter assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21 is a side view of the lower ring.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the ring rod of the clamp assembly for theupper and lower rings.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the vertical adjustment threaded member of theclamp assembly.

FIG. 24 is a top view of the first section of the first arm.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the first section of the first arm.

FIG. 26 is a side view of the second section of the first arm.

FIG. 27 includes side and top views of the clamping member of the firstsection of the first arm.

FIG. 28 is a side view of the vertical extension member for the firstarm.

FIG. 29 is a rear view of the vertical extension member for the firstarm.

FIG. 30 is a rear view of the vertical extension member for the firstarm vertically extending the first section of the first arm relative tothe second section of the first arm.

FIG. 31 is a side view of FIG. 30.

FIGS. 32 and 33 are side and top views of the motor for the saw.

FIG. 34 is a top view of a saw blade.

FIGS. 35 and 36 are top and side views of the blade guard for the saw.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structureor manner.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of flange bolt cutter 10 which can be usedto separate flanges in a bolted flange connection 100. FIG. 1 is a topview of one embodiment of the flange bolt cutter assembly 10 attached toa bolt 150 on a flange assembly 100. FIG. 2 is a side view of the flangebolt cutter assembly 10 in position to cut bolt 160 of flange assembly100. FIG. 3 is a top view of the flange bolt cutter assembly 10,illustrating two different positions of the first arm 800 relative tothe flange assembly 100 (schematically indicated by arrows 1310 and1320). FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the flange bolt cutter 10after bolt 160 has been cut with saw 200.

Bolted flange connection 100 can includes upper and lower flanges 110,120 which are connected through a plurality of flange bolts 140. Betweenupper 110 and lower 120 flanges can be flange gap 130.

In one embodiment flange bolt cutter 10 includes saw 200 which isvertically and pivotally adjustable relative to mounting assembly 300.

In one embodiment mounting assembly 300 can include mounting bracket310, first arm 800 which is pivotally connected to mounting assembly,and second arm 900 which is selectively pivotally connected to firstarm. In one embodiment saw 200 can be connected to second arm 900.

First arm 800 can include first section 810 (having first and secondends 812,814) and second section 820 (having first and second ends822,84). First section 810 can be detachably connectable to secondsection 820 via a clamping member 850 with tightening knob 860. Firstsection 810 can include a threaded area 830 which threadably connects itto vertical adjustment member 600 (allowing vertical adjustability offirst arm 800 relative to mounting bracket 310 as schematicallyindicated by arrows 1280). First section 810 can also include aplurality of stabilizing grooves 816. Second section 820 can include aplurality of stabilizing protrusions 826 which cooperate with theplurality of stabilizing grooves 816. FIGS. 24 and 25 are respectively atop and side views of the first section 810 of first arm 800. FIG. 26 isa side view of the second section 820 of first arm 800. FIG. 27 includesside and top views of the clamping member 850 of the first section 810of first arm 800.

FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 are respectively is a side, rear, and top views ofthe second arm 900 of the flange bolt cutter assembly 10. Second arm 900can have first end 910 and second end 920. At first end 910 can be pivotopening 912 along with a plurality of locking adjustment openings 930spaced about pivot opening 912. In various embodiments 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28,and 30 openings can be provided. In various embodiments these openings930 can be radially and symmetrically spaced about pivot opening 912. Invarious embodiments a range between any two of the above referencednumber of plurality of openings 930 can be provided.

Although not shown in the drawings in another embodiment a set screw canbe used as the quick lock/quick unlock for locking pivot connectionbetween second arm 900 and first arm 800. In this embodiment pivot rod870 (shown in FIG. 2) can be replaced by a threaded connector and bethreaded into pivot opening 818. A frictional lock between threadedpivot rod 870′ and second arm 900 is made when pivot rod 870′ is pushedagainst second end 910 of second arm 900. In another embodiment secondend 910 can include a plurality of radial teach which can mesh (forpivoting locking between first 800 and second 900 arms) and unmesh (forpivoting unlocking between first 800 and second 900 arms) with aplurality of radial teeth in first arm 800.

Second arm 900 can also have saw mount 950. Second arm 900 can also havehandle 980. In one embodiment second arm 900 can have detachable handleextension 980 which extension when attached allows the user to applyincreased torque on saw blade 210 when pivoting about the pivot point offirst arm 800 (which is vertical adjustment member 600's axis of pivot).

First arm 800 is pivotally connected to base 310 through verticaladjustment member 600, which vertical adjustment member 600 is pivotallyconnected to base 310. Accordingly, even when first arm 800 is lockedwith respect to vertical adjustment member 600, first arm 800 will pivotrelative to base 310 (and flange assembly 100) because verticaladjustment member 600 itself continues to pivot.

First arm 800 can be pivotally connected to second arm 900. In oneembodiment first arm 800 can be selectively pivotally secured to secondarm 900 (i.e., in this case a selected angular pivot offset betweenfirst 800 and second 900 arms can be selected and these two arms can bepivotally locked at this selected angular offset). Second end 824 caninclude a pivot rod 870 for second arm 900. Second end 824 can alsoinclude a pivot locking member 880 for selectively locking first andsecond arms 800,900 together as a selected angular offset between firstand second arms 800,900. Locking member 880 can be inserted into lockingopening 882 and into a selected one of the plurality of pivot lockingadjustment openings 930 located in second arm 900.

Upper ring 400 can include first end 410, second end 420, and ring 430.Ring 430 can include opening 440.

Lower ring 500 can include first end 510, second end 520, and ring 530.Ring 530 can include opening 540. Lower ring 500 using a quicklock/quick unlock frictional connector 550.

Saw 200 can include circular saw blade 210, motor 220 which drives sawblade 210. In one embodiment saw 200 can include blade guard 230 whichprotects the user from the operating saw blade 200 during use. FIGS. 32and 33 are side and top views of the motor 220 for the saw 200. FIG. 34is a top view of a saw blade 210. FIGS. 35 and 36 are top and side viewsof the blade guard 230 for the saw 200. In one embodiment saw blade 210can include serrated carbide tips, and is sufficiently thin to fitthrough typical gaps 130 between flanges 110,120 that are boltedtogether.

Saw 10 provides the user the option of selecting different relativeangles between first 800 and second 900 arms. FIG. 5 is a top view ofthe flange bolt cutter assembly 10 illustrating two different relativeangular positions of the second arm 900 relative to the first arm 800.FIG. 6 is a top view of the flange bolt cutter assembly 10 illustratingtwo different relative angular positions of the second arm 900 relativeto the first arm 800 (and which relative angular positions are differentfrom those shown in FIG. 5). FIG. 7 is a top view of the flange boltcutter assembly 10 illustrating two different relative angular positionsof the second arm 900 relative to the first arm 800 (and which relativeangular positions are different from those shown in FIGS. 5 and 6).

Different sets of locked relative angular positions between first 800and second 900 arms are schematically indicated by arrows 1210 and 1220in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. Adjusting the relative angular position betweenfirst 800 and second 900 arms allows the user to adjust the relativeposition of cutting blade 210 for a bolt to be cut (e.g., bolt 160 orbolt 170). In various embodiments the relative angle between first 800and second 900 arms can be adjusted in degrees up to 5, 10, 20, 30, 40,45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 210,240, 270, 300, and 330. In various embodiments a range between any twoof the above referenced degrees can be provided.

Saw 10 also provides the user the option of adjusting the relativeheight between saw blade 210 and the upper mounting point of mountingassembly 300 (e.g., upper ring 400).

In one embodiment vertical adjustment can be achieved by turningvertical adjustment member 600. In one embodiment first arm 800 can bevertically adjustable relative to mounting assembly 300. In oneembodiment mounting assembly 300 can include mounting base 310 which isdetachably connectable to flange assembly 100, vertical adjustmentthreaded member 600 which is threadably connected to mounting base andfirst arm 800. Vertical adjustment member 600 is threadably connected tofirst arm 800. Turning vertical adjustment member 600 (relative to firstarm 800) in a first direction causes first arm 800 (and saw blade 210)to move upwards in a vertical direction. Turning vertical adjustmentmember 600 (relative to first arm 800) in a second direction (theopposite direction as the first direction) causes first arm 800 (and sawblade 210) to move downwards in a vertical direction.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are respectively top and side views of the bracket 310of the flange bolt cutter assembly 10. FIGS. 18 and 19 are respectivelytop and side views of an upper ring 400. FIGS. 20 and 21 arerespectively top and side views of a lower ring 500. FIG. 21 is a sideview of the lower ring. FIG. 22 is a side view of the ring rod 390 ofthe clamp assembly 310 for the upper 400 and lower 500 rings. FIG. 23 isa side view of the vertical adjustment threaded member 600. In oneembodiment mounting assembly 300 includes a mounting rod 390 which isslidably connected to base 310. In one embodiment mounting rod 390includes a frictional sliding lock 396 which can vertically limit theamount of sliding movement between base 310 and mounting rod 390.Mounting rod 390 can be detachably connected to upper ring 400 using athreaded fastener. Mounting rod 390 can be detachably connected to lowerring 500 using a quick lock/quick unlock frictional connector 550. Inone embodiment vertical adjustment can be achieved by sliding mountingplate 310 relative to ring rod 390. Mounting plate 310 is slidablyconnected to ring rod 390 and includes first 396 or second 398frictional connectors to frictionally lock (and unlock) plate 310relative to ring rod 390. Tightening first 396 or second 398 frictionalconnectors causing mounting plate to be vertically frictionally lockedrelative to ring rod 390. Loosening first 396 or second 398 frictionalconnectors causes mounting plate to be vertically frictionally unlockedrelative to ring rod 390. When unlocked mounting place 310 can movevertically (up or down) to a selected desired position relative to upperring 400.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the flange bolt cutter assembly 10 illustratingvertical adjustability with of the saw blade 200 relative to flange 110in cutting a bolt 160 using the spacing 130 between the upper and lowerflanges. In FIG. 9 first arm 800 has been placed in its lowermostposition on vertical rod 600 of bracket 310, and bracket 310 has beenpositioned relative to sliding post 390 with both actions intended toposition saw blade 210 level with space 130.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the flange bolt cutter assembly 10illustrating vertical adjustability with of the saw blade 200 relativeto flange 110 in cutting a bolt 160 using the spacing 130 between theupper and lower flanges (which adjustment positions are different fromthose shown in FIG. 9). In FIG. 10 first arm 800 has been placed in avertically intermediate position on vertical rod 600 of bracket 310, andbracket 310 has been vertically positioned relative to sliding post 390with both actions intended to position saw blade 210 level with space130.

Pivoting flange bolt cutter 10 can be attached to the flanged connection100 using one of the plurality of bolts 140. For example, first flangebolt 150 can be used to attach cutter 10. Mounting assembly 300 can beattached to flange bolt 150 using upper and lower rings 400, 500. Upperring 400 can be placed on the head of bolt 150, and lower ring 500 canbe placed on the nut of bolt 150. Depending on the vertical spanningdistance between the head and nut of bolt 150 the vertical distancebetween upper 400 and lower 500 rings can be adjusted. This verticalspanning distance is adjusted via lower ring 500 being slid verticallyon mounting rod 390 until opening 550 of lower ring 500 goes over thenut of bolt 150. Once this occurs quick lock/quick unlock 550 can be setin a locked position causing mounting base 310 to be held relative tobolt 150 along with upper and lower flanges 110,120.

Because mounting base 310 is slidable relative to mounting rod 390, base310 can be selectively positioned vertically between upper 400 and lower500 rings as desired by the user. Once the desired selected verticalpositions is obtained, mounting base 310 can be vertically lockedrelative to mounting rod 390 by using first frictional connector 396thereby frictionally locking these two components.

At this point mounting base 310 attached to upper 400 and lower 500rings will be loosely attached to bolt 150. To cause a firm connectionone or both of the first 322 and second 324 adjustable connectors can betightened. First adjustable connector 322 will selectively push againstupper flange 110. Second adjustable connector 324 will selectively pushagainst lower flange 120. Because first adjustable connector 322 isseparately adjustable relative to second adjustable connector 324different sized flanges can be accommodated between upper 110 and lower120 flanges. For example upper flange 110 may be slightly larger thanlower flange 110 so that second adjustable connector 324 can accommodatethis larger distance from the base 310 and still firmly push againstlower flange 120. Because of the separate adjustable connectors 322,324,in most all cases mounting base can have a stable (i.e., at least threepoint) planer pushing surface between upper 110 and lower 120 flanges tomounting base 310. These three points will be upper connector 322(pushing against upper flange 110), lower connector 324 (pushing againstlower flange 120), and at least one of the gripping surfaces 332 of base310 (pushing against upper and/or lower flanges 110,120). In this mannerbase 310 is firmly secured between upper ring 400 (on the head of bolt150), lower ring 500 (on the nut of bolt 150), mounting rod 390(attached to base 310) and the surfaces of upper and lower flanges110,120.

In attaching mounting assembly 300 to bolt 150, the user roughly adjuststhe vertical height of saw blade 210 relative to the gap 130 betweenupper and lower flanges 110,120. Such rough vertical adjustment can bemade by sliding base 310 relative to mounting rod 390 and then fixingthe vertical position of base 310 by first frictional connector.However, such rough vertical positioning of saw blade 210 may notexactly position saw blade in the desired vertical position relative togap 130. In such case the relative vertical height of saw blade 310 canbe finely adjusted using vertical adjustment threaded member 600.Because first arm 400 is threadably connected to adjustment member 600turning of member 600 will cause first arm 400 to move vertically (up ordown depending on the direction of rotation of member 600 relative tofirst arm 400) which movement of first arm 400, causes a coincidentmovement of second arm 500, and saw blade 210 which is attached tosecond arm. In this way a fine adjustment of the vertical height of sawblade 210 can be made by the user to made sure that blade 210 can beinserted into the gap 130 to cut a desired bolt from the plurality ofbolts 140.

In certain situations, gap 130 between upper and lower flanges 110,120may not exist, or may not be sufficient to reach a desired bolt from theplurality of bolts 140. In such instances, either the head or the nut ofa desired bolt from the plurality of bolts 140 can be cut using thecutting assembly 10. In this instance vertical extension 1000 of firstarm 400 may be used to vertically position second arm 500 (and saw blade210) either substantially above or below first arm 400. Verticalextension 1000 can include first end 1010, second end 1020, and clampingmember 1040. Adjacent first end 1010 can be first section 1050 whichincludes a plurality of stabilizing grooves 1056. Adjacent second end1020 can be second section 1060 which includes a plurality ofstabilizing protrusions 1066.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the flange bolt cutter assembly 10,illustrating the use of the vertical spacer assembly 1000 along withvertical adjustability with of the saw blade 210 relative to the flange100 in cutting the head of a bolt 160. FIGS. 28 and 29 are respectivelyis a side and rear views of the vertical extension member 1000. FIGS. 30and 31 are respectively a rear and side views of the vertical extensionmember 1000 vertically extending the second section 820 of the first arm800 relative to the first section 810. In FIG. 10 first arm 800 (nowincluding vertical spacer 1000) has been placed in its lowermostposition on vertical rod 600 of bracket 310, and bracket 310 has beenpositioned relative to sliding post 390 with both actions intended toposition saw blade 210 level with space 130. Of course with verticalspacer 1000 slaw blade 210 can be positioned upwardly to the top offlange 110 to cut the top of bolt 160). In FIG. 11 first arm 800 hasbeen placed in its uppermost position on vertical rod 600 of bracket 310with saw blade 210 level rising relative to FIG. 10's position but notquite up to the top of flange 110. In FIG. 12 bracket 310 has beenpositioned upwardly relative to sliding post 390 with first arm 800 hasbeen placed in its uppermost position on vertical rod 600 of bracket 310causing saw blade 210 to rise level with the top of flange 110. Inpositioning the vertical position of saw blade 210, relative to flangeassembly 100, the user is provided with his choice of options regardingraising first arm 800 using vertical positioning rod 600 and/or slidingbracket 310 relative to ring rod 390.

The following is a list of reference numerals:

LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS (Reference No.) (Description) 10 pivotingflange bolt cutter 100 flanges 110 upper flange 120 lower flange 130open area between upper and lower flanges 140 plurality of flange bolts150 first flange bolt 152 upper half 154 lower half 160 second flangebolt 170 third flange bolt 200 saw 210 circular saw blade 220 motor 222hydraulic power lines for motor 230 saw blade guard 300 mountingassembly 310 mounting bracket 320 first end 322 first adjustable stopper324 second adjustable stopper 330 second end 332 gripping surfaces 340upper end 350 lower end 360 upper plate 362 opening 364 washer 368opening 370 lower plate 374 opening 384 threaded connector 390 ring rod392 first end 394 second end 396 first frictional connector 398 secondfrictional connector 400 upper ring 410 first end 420 second end 430ring 440 opening 500 lower ring 510 first end 520 second end 530 ring540 opening 550 adjustment handle 600 vertical adjustment threadedmember for first arm 610 first end 612 bearing 620 second end 622bearing 630 threaded area 640 connector 800 first arm 810 first section812 first end of first section 814 second end of first section 816plurality of stabilizing grooves 818 pivot opening 820 second section822 first end of second section 824 second end of second section 826plurality of stabilizing protrusions 830 pivot opening 834 pivot lockoping 840 clamping opening 844 clamping member 850 attachment member 852first recessed area 854 opening 860 tightening knob 870 pivot rod forsecond arm 880 pivot locking member for second arm 882 locking opening900 second arm 910 first end 912 pivot point 920 second end 930plurality of pivot locking adjustment openings 931 first pivot lockingadjustment opening 932 first pivot locking adjustment opening 933 firstpivot locking adjustment opening 934 first pivot locking adjustmentopening 950 saw mount 970 handle 980 handle extension mount 1000vertical extension for first arm 1010 first end 1020 second end 1040clamping member 1050 first section 1052 opening 1056 plurality ofstabilizing grooves 1060 second section 1062 opening 1066 plurality ofstabilizing protrusions 1200 arrow 1210 arrow 1212 arrow 1220 arrow 1230arrow 1232 arrow 1240 arrow 1250 arrow 1252 arrow 1260 arrow 1270 arrow1280 arrow 1300 arrow 1310 arrow

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. Allmaterials used or intended to be used in a human being arebiocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together may also find a useful application in other types ofmethods differing from the type described above. Without furtheranalysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the presentinvention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adaptit for various applications without omitting features that, from thestandpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics ofthe generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in theappended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way ofexample only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited onlyby the following claims.

1. A flange bolt cutter comprising for cutting a plurality of bolts on aflange connection having upper and lower flange members, comprising: (a)a circular saw assembly; (b) an assembly mount detachably connected tothe plurality of bolts, (c) the mount assembly including first andsecond arms, the first arm being pivotally mounted on the mount, and thesecond arm being pivotally connected to the first arm, the circular sawbeing attached to the second arm, (d) the pivot connection between thefirst and second arms including a quick lock/quick unlock which in thelocked state rotationally locks the first and second arms, and in theunlocked state the first and second arms can rotate related to eachother.
 2. The flange bolt cutter of claim 1, wherein the saw assembly isvertically adjustable relative to the mount assembly.
 3. The flange boltcutter of claim 2, wherein the assembly mount includes upper and lowerrings which attach to the upper and lower portions of a bolt from theplurality of bolts in the flange connection.
 4. The flange bolt cutterof claim 3, wherein the assembly mount includes a mounting bracket andmounting rod, wherein the mounting bracket is slidably connected to themounting rod, and the mounting rod is connected to the upper and lowerrings, and wherein the mounting bracket includes a quick lock/quickunlock member for vertically locking the mounting bracket relative tothe mounting rod.
 5. The flange bolt cutter of claim 4, wherein thelower ring is slidably connected to the mounting rod, and wherein thelower ring includes a quick lock/quick unlock member for verticallylocking the lower ring relative to the mounting rod.
 6. The flange boltcutter of claim 3, wherein the assembly mount includes a threadedvertical fine adjustment for the first arm and the threaded verticaladjustment is pivotally mounted to the assembly mount.
 7. The flangebolt cutter of claim 1, wherein the quick lock/quick unlock connectionbetween the first and second arms includes a plurality of angularlocking positions which allow the first and second arms to be locked inon of the plurality of angular locking positions.
 8. The flange boltcutter of claim 6, wherein the locking positions span at least 270degrees of selectable angular locking positions between the first andsecond arms.
 9. The flange bolt cutter of claim 6, wherein the angularlocking positions are located on a circle.
 10. The flange bolt cutter ofclaim 6, wherein the angular locking positions are located on a circleand span a preselected angular spanning amount of the circle, and aresymmetrically spaced about the preselected angular spanning amount. 11.The flange bolt cutter of claim 10, wherein the angular lockingpositions are symmetrically spaced in five degree increments.
 12. Theflange bolt cutter of claim 1, wherein the first arm includes a verticaladapter which increases the vertical distance between the first andsecond arms.
 13. The flange bolt cutter of claim 3, wherein the assemblymount includes a mounting bracket and mounting rod, wherein the mountingbracket is pivotally connected to the mounting rod, and the mounting rodis connected to the upper and lower rings, and wherein the mountingbracket includes at least one wedging member which adjustably wedgesagainst the flange connection tending to cause the mounting bracket topivot about the mounting rod.
 14. The flange bolt cutter of claim 13,wherein the mounting bracket includes upper and lower wedging memberswhich separately and respectively adjustably wedge against the upper andlower flanges of the flange connection each of the upper and lowerwedging members tending to cause the mounting bracket to pivot about themounting rod.
 15. The flange bolt cutter of claim 1, wherein thecircular saw is powered by a hydraulic motor.
 16. The flange bolt cutterof claim 1, wherein the circular saw includes a blade cover.
 17. Theflange bolt cutter of claim 1, wherein the second arm includes a handlefor pivoting the saw between cutting and non-cutting positions.
 18. Theflange bolt cutter of claim 1, wherein the second arm includes adetachably mountable handle extension which, when attached to the secondarm, increases a torque arm length about the pivot point between thefirst arm and the mounting assembly.
 19. A flange bolt cutter comprisingfor cutting a plurality of bolts on a flange connection having upper andlower flange members, comprising: (a) a circular saw assembly; (b) anassembly mount detachably connected to the plurality of bolts, (c) themount assembly including first and second arms, the first arm beingpivotally mounted on the mount, and the second arm being pivotallyconnected to the first arm, the circular saw being attached to thesecond arm, (d) the first arm including a quick lock/quick unlock whichin the locked state vertically locks the first arm relative to the mountassembly while allowing rotational movement of the first arm relative tothe mount assembly.
 20. The flange bolt cutter of claim 19, wherein theassembly mount includes upper and lower rings which attach to the upperand lower portions of a bolt from the plurality of bolts in the flangeconnection.